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ACC Community Band Celebrates 20th Year

The Alvin Community Band celebrated its 20th anniversary with a bang on July 4 as they braved the stormy weather and performed their annual patriotic concert prior to the fireworks display.

The Independence Day concert marked their 20th year of performing for college and community events.

While there are many community bands in the region, few have been able to maintain their strength through the years like the Alvin Community Band, said director David Griffith.

“They’re really wonderful people and we just love to play concert music,” he said. “It’s a testament to the people who are in it.”

The Community Band was created 20 years ago by retired band director Jerry Perkins. It performs alongside the ACC Wind Ensemble and Jazz Combo at its many annual concerts.

The band provides local musicians with an opportunity to perform for fun. It is not competitive and that creates a great atmosphere for musical performances, Griffith said. Members also have the freedom to pursue the type of music they enjoy, he said.

“We can play the music we want,” he said.

The band is open to any musician, regardless of age or skill level. Members include musicians of all ages from high school students to 90-year-old Jim Giblin. Family members, such as husbands and wives and siblings also play in the band together.

There are roughly 50 members of the band who come from all over the Gulf Coast, including Angleton, Alvin, League City, and other area communities.

There is only one practice each week for an hour and a half and performances are usually held on Thursdays, as well.

“It’s really the highlight of my week,” Griffith said.

The Community Band practices and performs year-round.

Traditionally, the band puts on two concerts each semester, but they have also performed for local organizations and at several events. Their biggest concerts are held during the Fourth of July and Christmas celebrations at the college.

Aside from the opportunity to play music, band members also enjoy each other’s company and will arrive early at practice just to visit with each other.